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Cuban baseball is in mourning after the passing this Monday of Lázaro Junco, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the National Series and regarded by many as one of the greatest power hitters produced by the island. He was 67 years old.
Known popularly as "Papa Jonrón," the player born in Matanzas left an unforgettable mark on Cuban baseball thanks to a career characterized by records, offensive consistency, and an extraordinary ability to hit home runs during the 1970s, 1980s, and the early 90s.
Junco was the first baseball player to reach the milestone of 400 home runs in the history of the National Series, a feat he achieved on January 27, 1996, at the Victoria de Girón stadium, against pitcher Alberto Pavón, in the 35th National Series against Isla de la Juventud.
He concluded his career with 405 home runs, 1,180 RBIs, 1,640 hits, and an average of .284 over 18 seasons.
Before that historic milestone, he had already broken the absolute home run record in Cuba by surpassing Antonio Muñoz's total with his 371st home run on May 10, 1988.
Throughout his career, he achieved 10 home run titles and led in runs batted in for four seasons, setting records that appeared unattainable for years.
He was included in the historic All-Star team of the National Series as the greatest left fielder of all time, a recognition that cemented his place among the immortals of Cuban baseball.
After retiring as a player, Junco remained connected to the sport as a coach on the Matanzas coaching staff, contributing to the development of new generations of baseball players.
His illness became public in December 2025, when the player revealed that he was suffering from an esophageal injury and that he was receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin every 28 days.
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Junco appeared optimistic on that occasion: "I feel quite well within the illness, more recovered, stronger."
He passed away approximately six months after publicly revealing his condition.
The news of his death generated numerous reactions from former teammates, athletes, journalists, and fans, who recalled both his sports achievements and his human kindness.
Those who knew him highlight his humility, simplicity, and closeness to the fans—qualities that made him one of the most beloved figures in Cuban baseball, beyond his statistics.
The passing of Junco adds to a painful streak of losses for Cuban baseball: in November 2025, Armando Capiró, an iconic figure of the national sport, passed away, and in February 2021, Cheíto Rodríguez, known as “The Home Run King”, died, marking the end of a generation that shaped the identity of Cuban baseball in the 1970s and 1980s.
With the passing of Lázaro Junco, one of the most important figures in the history of Cuban baseball is gone, but the legacy of a man who made the home run his personal trademark remains intact, and his name will continue to hold a special place in the island's sports memory.
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